PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE

Secure your place by accepting your offer and paying your fees through INTOPay – our safe online payment system. 

• You can pay by credit card, debit card or bank transfer. 

• You’ll receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.

• Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay. 

Watch our videos to learn about your offer of study and how to pay your fees, with simple step-by-step guidance.

All students must have full travel, medical and health insurance while studying with us in the UK. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your fees.

To receive your timetable and start your classes, ensure that you've paid your fees and that you're officially enrolled.

If you haven't requested accommodation yet, check your inbox – you'll have received an email from us shortly after accepting your offer, inviting you to submit your accommodation preferences. This will guide you through the next steps. 

You can also explore your accommodation options to see the safe and secure residences available to International Study Centre students.

Spaces fill up quickly, so we recommend booking and paying as soon as possible to confirm your place and avoid missing out. Students under 18 must book accommodation with us. 

Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. Once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit, we'll provide the documents you need to apply for a visa. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

From 2025, most students will receive an eVisa when they successfully apply for a visa – this is a digital record of your immigration status. eVisas are replacing physical immigration documents including biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa vignettes.

Remember to check if you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator.

Find out more about the Student visa, including how to apply.

What is an eVisa?

Your eVisa is an online record of your UK immigration status, which you can access through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Before travelling to the UK, you should:

• create a UKVI account

• link your current passport

• access your eVisa to check your details are correct. Report incorrect eVisa information to UKVI as soon as possible

• understand how to generate an eVisa share code.

Find out more about eVisas, or watch UKVI’s videos about eVisas.

Book your flight(s) and plan your arrival to coincide with your accommodation start date.

Submit your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), via INTO's arrival details form as soon as possible. Providing your arrival details before you travel will ensure: 

• we can meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer 

• staff will be on-hand remotely to help if any issues occur during your travels 

• your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.

There are two airports in Belfast you can fly into: Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport. To make your journey seamless, we offer an airport transfer service to your university accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18. 

Airport transfer fees vary depending on the airport you're travelling from but cost around £42 from Belfast City Airport or £60 from Belfast International Airport. 

To arrange a transfer, complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival. 

If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Plan your journey to the International Study Centre before you arrive in the UK. 

Belfast has mild summers and cold, rainy winters. Pack clothing suitable for layering, including a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t worry if you forget or don’t own something – Belfast has a wide selection of shops where you can purchase what you need. 

Make sure that you only pack items that you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK Government website along with guidance on bringing food into Northern Ireland. 

We advise arriving in Belfast during the weekend before your programme starts. You may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows. Don’t forget to provide us with your arrival details beforehand. 

You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You need to have paid your fees and enrolled before you can start classes.

Feeling homesick can be a common experience for international students. Our dedicated Student Services team care about your wellbeing and are there to provide all the support and help you need. You can also talk to your Personal Tutor about any additional academic or welfare support you may need. 

Joining in with social activities and exploring Belfast can also help you feel more at home.